2/F Chater House, 8 Connaught Road, Central. Tel: 3583 2828. The 5,000-sq-ft terrace is the star of the show at the sister bar to Armani/Aqua restaurant; take in the views from cosy, candlelit seating. Recommended: Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1996 (HK$5,200 a bottle).

Biergarten German Bar and Restaurant

G/F, 5 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 2302. This convivial, raucous institution has an inviting if kitschy atmosphere. Stick to the German beers and usual cocktails. Recommended: the Thai sunrise (HK$68), a twist on the tequila sunrise.

Brecht's

G/F, 123 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2576 4785. This comfortable throwback to the 90s serves good value premium beers and aged whiskies. Recommended: the Tagarimar (comprising tequila, Cointreau, Galliano and fresh lemon juice).

The China Bar

G/F Ho Lee Commercial Building, 44 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2526 5992. Formerly Bar George, the cavernous space goes heavy on the red and dragons for its decorative motif but is comfortable and has a busy dance area. From a wide range of drinks, the cocktails are the most eye-catching. Recommended: the Merry Berry cocktail of Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh mint, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry juice and lime (HK$89).

Goldfinch Restaurant

13-15, G/F Lan Fong Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2577 7981. Made internationally famous by its role in a Wong Kar-wai film, it has been serving Hong Kong-style diner classics since 1962. It has kept its charms for all that time. Recommended: any of the classic cocktails at HK$39 each.

Habitat Lounge

29/F QRE Plaza, 202 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Tel: 2907 0888. Habitat Lounge tries (too) hard to please but can be a romantic spot for a date. More than 100 cocktails, many of them fresh and fruity. Recommended: Richito (HK$70), made with light rum, lychee liqueur and Yakult.

Le Boudoir

B/F, 65 Wyndham St, Central. Tel: 2530 3870. This atmospheric basement bar modelled on 19th-century Parisian salons is dark and lovely, with one of the best cocktail menus in town. Recommended: the Unconventional martini (HK$95), blending gin, lemon juice, mint and kaffir lime syrup.

Mamoz

27-28/F Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Rd, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2890 3182. Occupying roughly 5,000 sq ft in Cubus, Mamoz offers a panoramic view of the area, as well as glimpses of Victoria Harbour. Recommended: the Southside Fizz (HK$88), a combination of Tanqueray No Ten, fresh lime, mint and soda.

Ozone

118/F Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. Tel: 2263 2263. The highest bar in the world doesn't disappoint with its bird's-eye view of the city. Prices here are as steep as the venue, but then you're paying for that view. Recommended: wines are the main attraction, with a choice of several by the glass (HK$90-HK$170).

Psychic Jack

1/F, 30-32 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2868 6102. This deliciously decadent bar is all comfortable relaxed hues, while the Central nightlife bursts into life around you. Recommended: the lemon drops (HK$76) and the Long Beach Iced Tea (HK$102).

Racks MDB

M88, 7/F, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2868 3762. An East Village-style pool bar, this members' club remains the coolest place in town to shoot a few balls. Recommended: when in a Manhattan-style bar, one must order the Manhattan.

Sevva

25/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2537 1388. Indoor and (spacious) outdoor seating gives Sevva a nice edge, particularly given the incredible skyscraper views. Recommended: at Sevva it's the desserts which will steal your heart.

Shore

3-4/F L Place, 139 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 2915 1638. Spread over two floors, Shore showcases an interesting dual-concept theme: upstairs is the Onshore fine-dining area, downstairs is the Offshore bar with a 1,800-sq-ft terrace that exudes warmth and originality. Recommended: put your choice in the hands of mixologists with the Surprise Me! (HK$90) cocktail.

Sky Lounge

18/F Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2369 1111. A welcome relief from the bustle below, the bar has a glamorous 1950s feel and is an elegant eyrie to recharge batteries. Recommended: the kiwi martini ((HK$95), a show-stopping blend of vodka, kiwi liqueur and kiwifruit syrup.

Sugar

32/F East Hotel, 29 Taikoo Shing Road. Tel: 3968 3968. One of the few bars in the area to have an outdoor terrace, the chic Sugar at the boutique East Hotel is a rare escape from the city's Central-Causeway Bay hip-zone. Recommended: the music, with resident DJs Eric Byron and P. Grant spinning lounge, soul, electro and chill-out.

Tazmania Ballroom

1/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2801 5009. The coolest, sleekest pool hall in Hong Kong, this lounge bar is straight out of Hoxton. Recommended: the 'F*** Me Up', a cocktail with a serious alcohol kick, including amaretto, Malibu and vodka.

W52

G/F, 52 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 6768 5252. Our favourite bar on Wyndham Street has just undergone a minor revamp and is as chic and sophisticated as ever. Stick to spirits and cocktails and don't bother with the wines and beers. Aside from the signature and Grey Goose-based cocktails, standouts include Patron Anejo tequila and cask-strength vintage rum. Recommended: the W Spice, a buttery concoction of butterscotch schnapps, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and freshly ground black pepper (HK$98).